PANGKALAN BUN – At Swastika Bunda Special Needs School (SKH Swastika Bunda) in Pangkalan Lada District, language barriers and hesitation were gradually replaced by increased student engagement.
On that day, dozens of students with special needs participated in a unique learning opportunity by meeting, interacting with, and learning English from Jeff Millard, a native English speaker from Australia.
The participation of the Australian educator in this initiative extended beyond a standard English-language class. It marked a concrete effort by PT Gunung Sejahtera Ibu Pertiwi (GSIP) and PT Agro Menara Rachmat (AMR) to promote inclusive education.
Through activities related to children’s daily experiences, including drawing, colouring, singing, and structured conversations, students were encouraged to recognize that physical or intellectual disabilities do not preclude engagement with the broader community. This cross-cultural learning program was also implemented at Dahlia Kindergarten, Astra Agro Lestari Elementary and Junior High Schools, and Pangkalan Lada Junior and Senior High Schools.
This experience was significant for educators who work closely with children with disabilities, as it supported their ongoing efforts to foster student growth and development.
Sri Rejeki, an educator at SKH Swastika Bunda, stated that opportunities for direct interaction can have a substantial psychological impact on students, particularly in enhancing their self-confidence.
“This has been a memorable experience for our students because, for the first time, they had the opportunity to meet and learn directly with a native English speaker from Australia,” Sri said.
“We would like to thank PT GSIP-AMR for providing our students with a learning opportunity that they may not have previously considered possible,” she added.
Observing the students’ engagement and positive interactions, the company reaffirmed that this initiative is based on a commitment to providing equitable and meaningful learning opportunities for all children in its operational areas.
Pingkan Nabila Nur Annisa, a representative of PT GSIP-AMR’s management, explained that inclusive education is founded on the belief that children with disabilities should have their potential nurtured and receive equal opportunities for growth and development.
“We want children to understand that opportunities to learn and explore the world are not limited. Children with disabilities also possess potential, achievements, and aspirations that should be pursued and further developed,” Pingkan Nabila said.
“English is not only a subject taught in the classroom; it serves as a bridge that will enable Indonesian children to demonstrate their talents and abilities on a broader stage in the future,” she explained. Through this human-centered approach, PT GSIP-AMR continues to strengthen its role as a community partner committed to supporting holistic development.e.This initiative demonstrates that industrial sustainability begins with the willingness to embrace and nurture all aspects of local potential, including children with special needs, enabling them to build confidence and develop a global perspective.k.
Source: Radar Kalteng
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